Which complete Brahms chamber music set should I get?

[scytheavatar]

I am deciding between the Hyperion and Philips set; I know DG has one in their complete Brahms edition but I am not going to get crappy Karajan for the sake of those chamber music. Which one do you guys recommend?

[jbuck919]

I don't usually comment on comparisons because I don't own many multiple sets, but I do own the Philips and am happy with it. It takes a bit of doing to muck up Brahms' chamber music, though I have one recording of the sextets that manages it.

[Chalkperson]

Philips...

[stenka razin]

Philips...

I agree with Chalkie. Philips........

[bombasticDarren]

I have independent chunks of the Hyperion set and it is all great stuff...

...I could say the same about Philips too though

[Allen]

What does everyone think of the "Brilliant Classics" set?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008 ... dp_product

[stenka razin]

What does everyone think of the "Brilliant Classics" set?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008 ... dp_product

Allen, at that low price, how can you go wrong with such classical luminaries as the Tokyo Quartet, the Nash Ensemble, the Alberni Quartet, pianist Derek Han, the Brandis Quartet, clairinetist Karl Leister, the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, violinist Isabelle Faust and violist Bruno Giuranna?...........

In fact, I am seriously thinking of adding this set to my Brahms collection, because of the research I did in making this post....Wow!......Thank you for the heads up, m8.

[maestrob]

I have the Hamelin/Brahms string quartets, and it's a truly fine recording, and Thea King is one of the finest clarinetists out there: my take is to go for the Hyperion set used at about $55 from Amazon: how can you go wrong for 12 CDs?

[Jack Kelso]

I would also recommend that Brilliant Classics recording of Brahms' Piano Quartets as well as their Clarinet Quintet, Clarinet Trio and clarinet sonatas.

The double-disc offer from NAXOS of the piano trios 1-3 and the Trio in A Major with the Vienna Piano Trio is also a great bargain.

I enjoy them.

Tschüß,
Jack

[Lance]

For the joyous heck of it, you may want to investigate the 12-CD set on Brilliant Classics [99642]. While it carries a list price of $64/USD, I got mine for around $24/USD including post, which is very inexpensive for the quality you will find in this box. Artists include Philippe Entremont, Joseph Kalichstein, Jaime Laredo, Sharon Robinson, Tokyo Quartet, Nash Ensemble, Alberni Quart, Derek Han, Brandis Quartet, and many others. I just did a search on it and found a review by CMG's Scott Morrison, who applauds the release and I fully concur. I herewith copy his Amazon review:

I've been on a Brahms chamber music kick lately. (Just last night I heard a concert by the up-and-coming Albers String Trio -- three young sisters -- and pianist Pei-Yao Wang playing the Brahms Second Piano Quartet, adding to my Brahms delirium.) I've owned this big box of Brahms Chamber Music for a couple of years and I return to it often. There is not a weak performance among the twelve (12!) CDs included. The Brilliant label has been, excuse me, brilliant in buying up the rights to recorded performances that meet a high standard of artistry. Among the performers here, for instance, are the Tokyo, Alberni and Brandis Quartets, clarinetist Karl Leister, the Nash Ensemble, the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, violinist György Pauk, pianists Roger Vignoles and Philippe Entremont et al.

The Piano Quartets, on which I've been focused in the past few days, are played by pianist Derek Han, violinist Isabelle Faust, violist Bruno Giuranna and cellist Alain Meunier — a marvelous collection of musicians.

My point, of course, is that Brahmsians wanting the complete chamber music could certainly make a killing (and derive much pleasure) by purchasing this very low-price box from Brilliant.

My highest recommendation.

Scott Morrison

[ChamberNut]

What does everyone think of the "Brilliant Classics" set?

Allen, at that low price, how can you go wrong with such classical luminaries as the Tokyo Quartet, the Nash Ensemble, the Alberni Quartet, pianist Derek Han, the Brandis Quartet, clairinetist Karl Leister, the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, violinist Isabelle Faust and violist Bruno Giuranna?...........

In fact, I am seriously thinking of adding this set to my Brahms collection, because of the research I did in making this post....Wow!......Thank you for the heads up, m8.

I can wholeheartedly recommend the Brahms Brilliant Box, complete edition. Karl, and a few others probably would too. Especially for the chamber music and vocal music.

[karlhenning]

Hear, hear.

Cheers,
~Karl

[ContrapunctusIX]

Between Philips and Hyperion, I prefer Hyperion. Better sound and fewer duds. Brilliant is also worth a look, as is DG's set although it's not as comprehensive.